David Wade's Marathon Training Blog: Teaming Up With Autism Speaks

Cancer. Multiple Sclerosis. Leukemia.

Every year at the Boston Marathon, thousands of runners raise millions of dollars to try to defeat some monstrous illnesses. It's one of the things that make the race so awesome. Yes, it's a competition of world class athletes. But it's also a wonderful melody of mediocrity of novice runners pushing themselves to help others.

When you tell someone in Boston you are running the marathon, they don't ask "What's your time going to be?" They ask "Who are you running for?"

So, who am I running for? I am running for children with autism. I am running for my little nephew Jacob. I am running for Autism Speaks.

I won't be able to raise millions for research. I may not even be able to raise thousands. But, I am blessed to have a job that allows me to shine a spotlight on things. In this case, I'm honored to help Autism Speaks spread its message. The group is proud to be the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. Its hope is to find a cure. In the meantime, Autism Speaks also does an incredible job educating people on the needs of people with autism and their families.

I'm uncomfortable being the guy asking people for money; about as uncomfortable as I am in running tights. BUT I'm going to do it anyway! Here's a link to my fundraising page with Autism Speaks. I thank you, in advance, for anything you can give.

Teaming up with a charity was the biggest headline of my training week. On Sunday, I ran 16 miles to the top of Heartbreak Hill. It was one of my better runs. However, at the end I did think to myself "How could I possibly run another 10.2 miles right now?!" Amazingly, I'm no longer sore after these long runs. I'm no longer limping around like a drunken Frankenstein.

I have three long runs left. 18 miles this weekend. 21 miles next weekend (which will be my longest run yet). And then another 18 miles the week after. Then I get to "taper" until Marathon Monday.

I cannot wait to taper. I'm not even sure what it entails but it sounds incredible.